Housepeepers

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Yes, I am alive in case any of you were wondering. We have been busy cleaning out 20 years of "stuff" from our house. I have to say that I am not one to keep a lot of things that I am not using. I have been known to give things away and then want them back later, but I can assure you that Hubbie has never, ever done that. He has sentimental attachments to all kinds of things, so getting him to participate in the purge has not been all that easy, but he is coming along.

The end of September we went out the the Silicon Valley to visit our youngest son who is now working at Facebook. We stayed in Los Gatos which is a beautiful town and so pedestrian friendly. We walked each day before breakfast and after dinner. We spent a couple of days doing things with my son and his girlfriend and a couple of days toodling around on our own. So far the only pictures that have surfaced ( other than old cars etc) are ones from Carmel and the 17 Mile Drive. Carmel has to be the ultimate housepeeping location.

Click for larger images and to see details otherwise missed :)

Without further ado:

I took a picture of this house the first time I was in Carmel in 2000. Still has that adorable stenciling.

I would love to go back and stay for a few days and get up each morning and wander the lanes and courtyards of Carmel. Maybe stay with Clint at his Mission Ranch or the in-town Hotel that is owned by Doris Day...wonder if Gig Young is there..... OK, you have to be a certain age to understand that reference.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Time for a United Way Bake Sale at Bob's office. Even though it was in the mid 70s today I am baking fall goodies: Banana Bread and Trader Joe's Apple Bread. The sale will take place at morning break and I think if I slice the bread they can sell it by the slice and make some serious money. Sure smells good as it wafts upstairs to my "office". Right now the Apple bread is winning the aroma contest.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

I am going to an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint workshop tomorrow in Bristol Rhode Island. Am I the very last one to get in on this trend??? It's about an hour away and it is not a formal workshop, but I have been told that all the colors and waxes will be available to try and lots of info will be bandied about..much chatting etc. My friend Martha and I will make the trek, play with paint and then wander about the lovely seaside town and probably eat a delicious lunch. It is supposed to be sunny and only in the 60s so it sounds like a perfect day. So, what are your plans for tomorrow?

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Seems we had a visit from Irene a week and a half ago. Much hype pre-storm and as you are all aware I did buy candles, lovely autumn scented candles and I went to the library and stocked up on books. You can NEVER have too many books to read during a storm. She ( Irene) blew in Sunday morning and just when I was feeling really smug (about noon) and about to post a smug update on facebook, the power went out. It didn't flicker and return as it had done several times that morning...no siree, it went out, dead, gone. It came back on Wednesday night at exactly 5:54 PM. That was a long time to read with candles and flashlights:) Fortunately the weather turned clear and crisp after the storm so I was able to cook my slowly defrosting supply of meats on the grill and cook veggies in foil on the grill. Then, even after the power returned we had no internet, phone or cable (all provided by Comcast) until late Thursday afternoon.

But, the good news is that we had no damage, just a lawn full of leaves, sticks, small branches etc. Oh, and a couple of small dings on the hatch of Bob's SUV. He is a fanatic about his vehicles, so guess where we are going on a "date night" tonight. That's right... to the Ding Dr. to get the dings sucked right out, then a free oil change at the Honda dealer to be followed by dinner at Boston Market. I do so love their mashed potatoes and their chicken, yum! Life doesn't get much more exciting than this folks;)

Friday, August 26, 2011

You know that old saw about lemons and lemonade, right? Here is my new take. When life hands you potential hurricanes ( Irene) and tells you to be prepared, go to Yankee Candles.

I mean really, why would I go and buy some boring old utility candles when I had a coupon for substantial savings these autumnal beauties. Our house may be dark ( although hopefully not) but it certainly will smell like an orchard on a fall day. And nope, nobody paid me to show you this candle, it is all my own doing.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

It's been hot here recently and I have had a lot going on. This quick and delicious meal has been on my "go to" list lately. Really, I could eat a pound of shrimp and several mangoes worth of salsa prepared this way.

OK, I stole the picture because I can never remember to take a picture of my food before I devour it, plus it is really hard to photograph food. Here is what I do:

About Me

I was bitten by the decorating bug very early and just love decorating books, magazines and historic house tours. Don't call the police, but I like nothing better than walking down a street at twilight and seeing homes lit up and being able to glance at the decor, thus the name of my blog.
I Have been a Realtor for over 15 years but have recently made the decision to semi-retire. Real Estate is too much a part of me to ever really retire as I cannot stop looking and dreaming houses...know what I mean?
I am a wife (second time around) and the mom +/or stepmom of four grown boys. My Hubbie is a hobby photographer so together we try to hunt down some fun houses to share with you. I sure wish we could get inside these houses, but alas we usually have to content ourselves with just the exteriors.